New Delhi, December 11, 2025 – A controversy erupted in the Lok Sabha today after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur accused a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP of smoking an e-cigarette inside the House. The accusation sparked an uproar, with several BJP members demanding immediate action against the alleged offender.
During Question Hour, Thakur questioned Speaker Om Birla on whether e-cigarettes were permitted in the House. When the Speaker responded in the negative, Thakur stated that a TMC MP had been "constantly smoking e-cigarettes in the House for the past several days". Thakur did not name the specific TMC MP.
The allegation triggered a chaotic scene in the Lok Sabha, with BJP members vociferously condemning the act and calling for strict action. Amid the uproar, Speaker Om Birla urged members to maintain the dignity of the House. He stated that e-cigarettes are not allowed in the House and assured that he would take appropriate action if a written complaint was lodged.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the ban on e-cigarettes in India. In 2019, the Indian government implemented the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), which comprehensively bans the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, and advertisement of e-cigarettes and related components. The penalties for violating this ban are substantial, including fines and imprisonment. For a first offense, offenders may face a fine of up to ₹100,000 and imprisonment for up to a year. Subsequent offenses can attract a fine of up to ₹500,000 and imprisonment for up to three years.
E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, are electronic devices that heat a liquid to create an aerosol that users inhale. This liquid typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Despite the ban, e-cigarettes are still available on the black market, particularly in major cities. Concerns remain regarding the use of e-cigarettes by young people, with studies indicating that educated young adults are among those most likely to vape.
While the PECA act does not explicitly criminalize possession of e-cigarettes, some officials interpret the law to include penalties for carrying them. Bringing vapes into India is prohibited, and airport authorities may confiscate such items.
The controversy in the Lok Sabha raises questions about the enforcement of the e-cigarette ban and the need for stricter monitoring to prevent their use, especially among Members of Parliament. The Speaker's assurance of action, pending a written complaint, indicates the seriousness with which the matter is being treated. The incident underscores the continuing public health challenge posed by e-cigarettes in India despite the existing ban.
